63,720 CHF
“Victoria and Albert Royal Presentation Watch” Charles Frodsham, 84 Strand, London, No. 01736, Retailed by R.S. Garrard & Co, London. London Hallmarks for 1861-62. Very fine, rare and historically important diamond set 18K gold and enamel half-hunting-cased, keyless, pocket watch with half-quarter repeat. Presented by Queen Victoria to Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse on the occasion of his marriage to Princess Alice Maud Mary on July 1st 1862 at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Accompanied by the original diamond-set gold key decorated to match the watch and a letter from Frodsham. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel double “spade” hands. 41mm (18’’’), frosted and gilt, _ plate, jewelled to the third wheel, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, Diamond end-stone in screwed chaton. Dial signed by the retailer, movement signed Chas. Frodsham, case with master mark for James Walter Scott. Diam. 48mm Notes A very fine and interesting watch with strong Royal connections. The watch and key bear the initials of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Garrard's have been royal jewellers since 1735, when its founder George Wickes was appointed Royal Goldsmith by Frederick, Prince of Wales, and continues in the role to the present day. The watch would have been ordered from Garrard's some time in advance. It would have been purchased from Frodsham (one of the most eminent watch
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2007-05-13
